Donald Macdonald, 13 Swainbost

Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 13 Swainbost,
Son of John and Mary MacDonald, of 13, Swainbost, Ness, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, SS Mandala
Service number: 5351/A
Date of birth: 1 April 1891
Date of death: 1 January 1919 at the age of 27
Drowned in sinking of HMY Iolaire, was never found
Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 32
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross

Donald is shown in the 1901 census, aged 10, at 12 Swainbost. He is living with his parents John (39) and Mary (35), as well as siblings Peggie (15), Murdo (12), Annie (7), Murdo (4) and Peggie (7 months).

His younger brother Murdo also served in the RNR, and was also lost in the Iolaire Disaster. His brother Murdo , also a naval reservist, was twice torpedoed during the war, but survived.